Preview

July 17, Tampere, Tammelan Stadion, 19:00
The live broadcast will be available on Kyivstar TV

Match build-up

Shakhtar arrived in Finland, having built a significant advantage in the first leg, where they confidently beat Ilves (6-0) on home ground in Ljubljana. The main hero in that match was 19-year-old winger Alisson, who scored 2 goals and provided 3 assists. The remaining goals were also scored by the Orange-and-Blacks’ Brazilians – Kaua Elias, Kevin, Pedrinho and Newertton.

The day after their Europa League debut, the Pitmen played a friendly in Slovenia against local side Brinje (5-0). Burkinabe forward Lassina Traore netted a hat-trick, while Eguinaldo and Giorgi Gocholeishvili added a goal each. During the week between European fixtures, Arda Turan’s men held training sessions in Brdo and arrived in Tampere ahead of the match.

Opponents

Ilves played a Finnish league fixture between the two matches against Shakhtar, claiming a comeback victory over mid-table side VJS (3-2). Goals for the Tampere club came from Veteli and Söderbäck, along with an own goal from the opponents. As a result, Joonas Rantanen’s side currently have 32 points (goal difference: 36-19) and are considered the league’s dark horse (with a game in hand). Their top scorers this season are Riski and Söderbäck (7 goals each).

Stadium

Tammela Stadium in Tampere was opened in 2023. The stadium’s design immediately won a prestigious architectural award in Finland. The arena has a capacity of 8,017 and meets UEFA Category 4 standards. It serves as the home ground for Ilves, as well as hosts matches of the Finland women’s national team and the Finland U21 men’s team.

The Ilves vs Shakhtar match will be officiated by the judging panel from the Norway: referee – Mohammad Aslam, assistants – Jørgen Valstadsve and Olav Rossland, VAR – Kristoffer Hagenes.